NU's Military Appreciation Day Draws 170 Guests to PETCO Park

It was a fun-filled day at the ball park on Sunday, July 17, as National University and the San Diego Padres hosted Military Appreciation Day.

National University military families enjoyed a fun-filled day while being honored for their service at PETCO Park.

A total of 170 military students, alumni, and their guests gathered in the welcome shade on "The Landing" just underneath the scoreboard in left center field, enjoying hamburgers, hot dogs, peanuts, and Cracker Jack, and, of course, ice-cold beer on a hot summer day.

Ten National University military students were presented with $2,000 scholarships on the field before the game (learn more about each recipient), and then the Padres proceeded to carry a no-hitter to the top of the seventh inning.

Some guests wore their khakis (Marines) or summer white uniforms (Navy), and some just showed up in their "civvies." From admiral to enlisted and in between, a broad array of ranks and service branches were well-represented.

National University President, Dr. David Andrews, was on-hand with his newborn grandson to greet guests. The Pad Squad dropped by with the Friar mascot, to the delight of youngsters and older fans alike; and Padres greats, Randy Jones and Heath Bell, hung out and signed autographs.

Every visitor received a National University fedora, and even San Francisco Giants fans went home happy, despite being swept by the hometown team on the last day of a three-day series in San Diego.